If you're a UAE-based artist, designer, or architect, the Dubai Tunnels Public Art Initiative just opened its next chapter — and the scale of this one is hard to ignore. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has put out an open call for UAE-based creatives to submit proposals for more than 40 tunnels throughout the emirate. The goal is to turn each one into a permanent public art space that captures the city's identity and brings culture out of galleries and into the daily lives of millions.
What the Dubai Tunnels Initiative Is Actually About
This program is part of a formal strategic partnership between Dubai Culture and RTA, with both entities working to put art directly into urban infrastructure, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. That plan centres on sustainable, people-centric urban development, and the tunnels initiative sits squarely within that ambition.
It is also a key push for Dubai Culture's Public Art Strategy, which has a stated goal of turning Dubai into an accessible, open-air art gallery for both residents and visitors. Getting public art into high-traffic road infrastructure is a significant part of how that strategy gets done.
The First Two Phases Already Set the Bar
This open call is the third wave of the initiative, and it has a strong track record to draw from. The first and second phases saw commissioned works from Emirati artists Maryam Al-Hathboor and Safeya Sharif. Those projects added a distinct artistic character to key locations throughout Dubai, and the response has been strong enough to expand the program to a much larger number of tunnels.
Who Can Apply and What Dubai Is Looking For
Applications are open to UAE-based artists, designers, and architects. Submissions will be reviewed on artistic quality, innovation and creativity, how well the concept connects to Dubai's identity, and the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed work.
Proposals must be original and contemporary — not previously produced or displayed. They should acknowledge local cultural diversity in a thoughtful way and be suitable for the traffic environment inside tunnels. Balanced colour use is required, and text or visual effects that could distract drivers are not allowed.
For materials, durability is non-negotiable. Participants are expected to work with options like ceramic tiles, graphic paints, resin, and metals — selecting materials that can handle high temperatures and are easy to maintain long-term.
Each submission must include design files, a detailed concept explanation, and presentation boards showing the proposed visual direction and the approved colour palette.
What the Officials Said
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, said the initiative gives Dubai's tunnels a clear artistic identity and reinforces the city's position as a destination that celebrates cultural diversity. He noted that art serves as a way to connect local heritage with modern city life, and that the program directly supports talented artists in creating work that improves quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the initiative strengthens the cultural and creative industries, reinforces the presence of art in public spaces, and helps redefine how people relate to the places they pass through every day. She added that the project gives artists a meaningful platform and creates new opportunities for creatives and entrepreneurs in the cultural sector, allowing them to turn ideas into artistic projects with lasting community impact.
Application Details at a Glance
- Who can apply: UAE-based artists, designers, and architects - Applications opened: 11 May 2026 - Deadline: 15 June 2026, at 23:59 UAE time - Where to apply: Via the Dubai Culture official portal
For UAE-based creatives, the Dubai Tunnels Public Art Initiative is one of the more tangible opportunities to put permanent, public-facing work on display in one of the world's most visited cities. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a design team, this open call for tunnel art in Dubai is worth a serious look.
